Watchcase



Patented Nov. 20, 1934 UNITED STATES WATCHCASE Ellison S. Irelan, Elgin, Company,

Watch Case of Illinois Ill., assignor to Illinois Elgin, Ill., a corporation Application May 25, 1934, Serial No. 727,481

3 Claims.

This invention relates to a two-piece watch case having therein a removable seat for the support of a movement. The advantages inherent in such a watch case are its simplicity of construction, the fewness of its parts, the facility with which it may be opened up for removal or replacement of the movement, and the accommodation therein of various movements as desired.

An exemplification of my invention is set forth the accompanying drawing wherein- Figure 1 is a View in plan of my present watch case accommodating therein a movement whose dial is exposed to view;

Fig. 2 is a transverse section on line 2 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section through the angled plane indicated by line 3-3 of Fig. 1; and

Fig, 4 is a sectional perspective view showing the movement ring, back, and seat ring in assembled relation.

The case herein illustrated comprises a back A which, if desired, may be of irregular contour. As shown, the back is formed with an outwardly extended well 5 of circular form. Extending in a direction opposite from the well is a marginal flange 6.

Fitted Within the back flange 6 is a movement ring B having a contour the same as that of the back. This movement ring is extended past the marginal back flange 6 so as to be exposed in part. By any well known means, the movement ring is preferably secured xedly to the back So as to constitute therewith a two-piece case. An

inwardly turned flange 7 defining a circular opening 8 is provided at the exposed end of the movement ring.

Associated with the case just described is a bezel C which carries a crystal 9. The bezel is formed with a marginal flange 10 which fits down over the movement ring to meet the marginal flange 6 of the back. As by means of a groove 11 in each end of the bezel flange and a co-acting rib 12 on the movement ring, the bezel may be snaplocked in position on the case.

Certain of the usual fittings which have n0 bearing on this invention may also be added, such as lugs 14 at opposite ends of the bezel for connection with a bracelet, and a sleeve 15 through one side of the case for the accommodation of a winding stem.

Fitted within the circular Well of the back A is a seat ring 16. 'I'his ring may be removably accommodated in place. It protrudes beyond the well a suflicient distance to afford a desired support against which may be rested the shoulder 17 of a movement M. The circular seat ring is concentric with the circular opening 8 in the movement ring flange which is adapted, if need be, to

afford lateral support to the circular wall of the movement whereon may be carried a dial plate 18 which is adapted to extend over the movement ring flange, as required, to conform to the irregular contour of the case.

From the preceding description it will be observed that the present case makes use of but two Darts, viz, a back and a movement ring which together with a seat ring fitted within the back furnishes a support for a circular movement. A wide latitude is accordingly afforded in the contours available for the case. Removal of the bezel is all that is required for removal or replacement of the movement. When completely assembled, the case has but one joint, viz, the connection between the bezel and the movement ring, but this is so lapped as to protect the case interior against the entrance of moisture, dust, etc.

I claim:

1. A watch case in which is comprised a back having a marginal flange, a movement ring fitted within and extending beyond the back flange, a bezel having a flange extended over the movement ring to meet the back flange, a snap-lock connection between the bezel flange and the movement ring, and a seat ring fitted within the back to the inside of the movement ring furnishing a support for the shoulder of a movement which is accommodated within the case.

2. A watch case in which is comprised a back having an outwardly extended well and a marginal flange extended oppositely thereto, a movement ring fitted within and extending beyond the back flange, a bezel having a flange extended over the movement ring to meet the back flange, and a, seat ring fitted within the back well to the inside of the movement ring affording a support for the shoulder of a movement which is accommodated within the case.

3. A watch case in which is comprised a back of irregular contour having a marginal flange, a movement ring of like contour fitted within and extending beyond the flange at which point it is formed with an inwardly turned flange defining a circular opening, a bezel having a flange extended over the movement ring to meet the back flange, and a seat ring defining a circular opening concentric with that of the movement ring flange fitted within the back to the inside of the movement ring affording a seat for the shoulder of a movement which is accommodated within the case.

ELLISON S. IRELAN. 

